As online trends continue to evolve, not everything that gains popularity is as harmless as it seems.

Some well-meaning actions can have unexpected effects, especially concerning nature.

A recent viral practice has sparked concern, raising questions about its impact on local wildlife.

Keith Porteous, affectionately known as The Wildlife Rescuer online, has spoken out about the dangers of this trend.

In an interview, Keith shared distressing images of a bird that had become badly entangled in human hair and suffered visible injuries.

'I rescue all animals, but a huge amount of my work is birds entangled in fishing line, string, twine, plastics and hair,' he said.

Australians warned against cutting hair left outdoors due to wildlife risks. Credit: @pink_strawbs / TikTok

'I come across hair quite often, and it is extremely damaging because it is fine and strong. Often, it isn’t spotted, and the bird’s issue may go unnoticed. But it's as dangerous as line or string in terms of poor outcomes.'

While strong and durable, human hair is not a suitable material for bird nests.

Its delicate yet robust nature makes it a hazard, akin to a fishing line or string, which can lead to entanglement, injury, and even death among birds and other small animals.

The Sunshine Coast local has seen firsthand the damage caused by hair and other man-made materials, and he's urging the public to reconsider this practice.

It's not just the physical threat of entanglement that's a concern.

The chemicals often found in our hair from shampoos, dyes, and treatments can be toxic to wildlife.

These substances can seep into the environment, contaminating water and soil and threatening local ecosystems.

So, what can we do to prevent this harm? Simply dispose of human hair properly.

By ensuring that our hair doesn't end up in the wild, we can help protect the animals that rely on natural materials for survival.

At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the desire to connect with nature and contribute positively to our environment.

However, it's essential to stay informed and consider the potential impact of our actions.

Let's continue to love and protect Australia's weird and wonderful wildlife by making conscious choices that support their well-being.

Credit: TikTok​

Key Takeaways

• Australians are being warned against a social media trend of leaving cut hair outdoors as it poses serious threats to wildlife.
• Wildlife rescuer Keith Porteous shares images of birds seriously harmed by becoming entangled in human hair.
• Human hair is strong and can cause injuries and entanglement, similar to fishing lines and other synthetic materials.
• Proper hair disposal is crucial as it does not break down naturally and can contain harmful chemicals that may leach into the environment.

Have you encountered any other well-meaning trends that might be causing unintended harm? Let's open up a dialogue and learn from each other, ensuring our efforts to help the environment are genuinely beneficial.

 

[Tactful]

We use sugar cane mulch direct from the growers. We leave 1/2 a bale under trees just for our wildlife.

 

[BruceC]

Humans have been loosing hair for millennia.!
What a load of rubbish!

 

[Veggiepatch]

The chemicals often found in our hair from shampoos, dyes, and treatments can be toxic to wildlife.

These substances can seep into the environment, contaminating water and soil and threatening local ecosystems.
Really?

So does having a shower, shaving and peeing/crapping also contaminate the water and soil, contribute to the demise of the environment?

Talk about an extreme exaggeration!

The organisers of "The World's Greatest Shave" take note. Environazis such as Keith Porteous have you in their sights!

 

[SylviaK]

If hair is so damaging to the environment, maybe it would help to be advised what is an appropriate method of disposal. How are we supposed to control the hairs that just naturally escape from our heads during the normal course of our daily activities? Something doesn't sound quite kosher here. Years ago we used to use the horse clippings to dig into the garden and it sure helped stuff grow. Unless hair products are left in the hair and not rinsed out, how is it harmful? I use only shampoo and conditioner and never leave any of it in my hair. Think I can feel a new paranoia coming on

 

[Aralia]

We use sugar cane mulch direct from the growers. We leave 1/2 a bale under trees just for our wildlife.

That's fantastic. Good on you guys. Should be more like you.

 

[Aralia]

I have seen so many people feeding birds of all types, bread. Birds don't eat bread. And the other thing that's irks me is feeding seagulls chips. I know they will eat anything but fried chips....no.

 

[SylviaK]

If hair doesn't naturally degrade, how is it that when old graves are opened or bodies are found after many years, there doesn't seem to be any sign of hair on the skeleton? Maybe someone should apply for government funding to research this enthralling subject

 

[novezar]

Ah, the good old Homo Sapien. Well it's certainly "Proof in the Pudding", where the only thing that doesn't decay after the inevitable is our good old bones.
I'm sure that this a comfort for the lot of us. We'll just keep rattling away merrily for evermore.

If hair doesn't naturally degrade, how is it that when old graves are opened or bodies are found after many years, there doesn't seem to be any sign of hair on the skeleton? Maybe someone should apply for government funding to research this enthralling subject

Good point.

 

[novezar]

The chemicals often found in our hair from shampoos, dyes, and treatments can be toxic to wildlife.

These substances can seep into the environment, contaminating water and soil and threatening local ecosystems.
Really?

So does having a shower, shaving and peeing/crapping also contaminate the water and soil, contribute to the demise of the environment?

Talk about an extreme exaggeration!

The organisers of "The World's Greatest Shave" take note. Environazis such as Keith Porteous have you in their sights!

Good point there Veggie. Thought about the same for donkeys.

 

[Singomate]

The chemicals often found in our hair from shampoos, dyes, and treatments can be toxic to wildlife.

These substances can seep into the environment, contaminating water and soil and threatening local ecosystems.
Really?

So does having a shower, shaving and peeing/crapping also contaminate the water and soil, contribute to the demise of the environment?

Talk about an extreme exaggeration!

The organisers of "The World's Greatest Shave" take note. Environazis such as Keith Porteous have you in their sights!

If you were raised in NSW and loved to Swim in the Ocean you would know that brown stuff flowing out into the Ocean is untreated human waste

 

[Veggiepatch]

If you were raised in NSW and loved to Swim in the Ocean you would know that brown stuff flowing out into the Ocean is untreated human waste

I have been to most beaches in NSW and surfed from The Pass at Byron Bay to the Merimbula Bar in the south, tens of thousands of times. Never saw a turd in the water.

The only time I encountered a mythical "Bondi Cigar" was at Birrong Pool, about 12 kms from the ocean!

 

[Singomate]

I have been to most beaches in NSW and surfed from The Pass at Byron Bay to the Merimbula Bar in the south, tens of thousands of times. Never saw a turd in the water.

The only time I encountered a mythical "Bondi Cigar" was at Birrong Pool, about 12 kms from the ocean!

Çollaroy Whale Beach Narrebeen, you have brown goggles on

 

[Veggiepatch]

Çollaroy Whale Beach Narrebeen, you have brown goggles on

Never surfed Whale Beach but yes to the other two. They share the same stretch sand!

 

[Rosi Gordon]

If hair doesn't naturally degrade, how is it that when old graves are opened or bodies are found after many years, there doesn't seem to be any sign of hair on the skeleton? Maybe someone should apply for government funding to research this enthralling subject

There is hair still in the coffin after many years it just falls off the body when the skin has decomposed fully.

 

[Rosi Gordon]

I just find it gross seeing people's hair lying around, don't know why this is a disgusting trend as there is enough natural things that birds can use to line their nests.

 

[Gunpark]

I can remember from my sailing days, the water on the ocean side of North Head always had a flat look about it and always had a smell. I hope that is not the case these days.

 

[Bridgit]

If hair is so damaging to the environment, maybe it would help to be advised what is an appropriate method of disposal. How are we supposed to control the hairs that just naturally escape from our heads during the normal course of our daily activities? Something doesn't sound quite kosher here. Years ago we used to use the horse clippings to dig into the garden and it sure helped stuff grow. Unless hair products are left in the hair and not rinsed out, how is it harmful? I use only shampoo and conditioner and never leave any of it in my hair. Think I can feel a new paranoia coming on

The story refers to cutting your hair outside and not picking it up - I cut my husbands hair on the verandah and make sure I get all of it up for this very reason. We buy coir and put it in a old wire hanging pot - then sit back and watch all the little birds come and get some for their nests every year - they love it.

 

[Radiant]

What a strange request. Who would dispose of their hair anywhere but in the bathroom? Or of course in a hairdresser’s shop.